Inflatable polyhedral exercise device

ABSTRACT

A soft, durable, inflatable, exercise device, preferably trapezoidal in shape is provided to enable a user to apply compressive isometric forces against the device to train, strengthen and/or condition major muscles and muscle groups of the human body.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to a flexible, portable exercisedevice. More particularly, the present invention relates to apolyhedral-shaped, inflatable exercise device with at least one face ofthe device having the shape of a trapezoid. The device of the presentinvention facilitates the strengthening and maintenance of muscles andrelated joints through a series of uniquely and specifically designedexercises.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The need for resistance exercise has become increasingly apparent inthis country. Non use of the muscular and skeletal systems has producedchronic de-conditioning and reduced fitness levels, making people moresusceptible to musculoskeletal injuries. In addition it has beenrecognized that regular resistance exercise over the course of alifetime is necessary to prevent the loss of muscle tissue and, thus, tomaintain the strength and endurance of the musculoskeletal system. Thisinjury-preventing formula has great relevance to middle-aged persons andis critical for older populations, where weak muscles produce weakjoints and bones. Muscular weakness increases the incidence of falls,and can lead to a plethora of orthopaedic problems.

Additionally, it has been shown that to effectively counter obesity inhumans, there are three essentials which generally should be undertakenby the person to lose weight. The first essential is to reduce caloricintake. The second essential is aerobic (endurance) training. The thirdessential is anaerobic (resistance) training. Any exercises or devicesthat aid in such endurance or resistance training are believed desirableto the weight loss community.

Resistance exercise can take two basic forms: isotonic and isometric.With isotonic exercises, the joints and appendages of the body lift aweight and move it through space. Commonly called weight lifting, thisis a very popular resistance exercise modality. However, there aredrawbacks concerning equipment and injury. First, it is necessary tohave a selection of weights to conform to different users and todifferent resistance exercises. Second, because the weights are movedthrough space, muscle and limb control can be lost and injuries canresult. These two factors make weight lifting inconvenient for a largepopulation of users and without proper instruction, it can be dangerous.

Isometric exercise is the second form of resistance exercise. With thismodality, the body remains in a relatively fixed and stable position inspace while force is exerted against a fixed object, structure, oragainst the exerciser's body itself. It has been proven in many studiesthat muscle exertion while flexed even over a short range of motion canprovide excellent muscle-conditioning results. Typical isometricexercises are very safe and fundamentally involve the application offorce against an object that resists the applied force.

It is generally known that isometric exercise is less damaging tomuscles than isotonic exercise inasmuch as there is no possibility ofdropping weights or overextending muscles or joints. It is furthergenerally known that isometric exercise, when properly performed, hasthe benefits of strengthening and conditioning the musculoskeletalsystem.

Thus, there is a need in the exercise industry for a device suitable forconducting a variety of isometric exercises which will enable theexerciser to strengthen and condition most, if not all, of the majormuscles and muscle groups of the human body. Unlike free weights andmany other types of equipment, it is nearly impossible for the device ofthe present invention to injure the user or bystanders, or to be damagedby improper use.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Broadly, the present invention relates to a lightweight, portable,flexible exercise device ergonomically adapted to exercise the majormuscles of the human body. The exercise device of the present inventionhas a polyhedral shape and is ergonomically designed so that it conformsto the human body during execution of isometric exercises. This ensurescomfortable, resistive force generation so that any of a number ofexercises, including but not limited to some specifically designedisometric exercises as described below, can be carried out, andeliminates various, less conforming designs such as round (spherical)balls and square blocks.

The advantages of the present invention over the known art relating toisometric exercise devices, which shall become apparent from thedescription and drawings that follow, are accomplished by the inventionas hereinafter described and claimed.

In general, one or more aspects of the invention may be accomplished byan exercise device comprising an inflatable bladder taking a shape, wheninflated, of a six-sided polyhedron defined essentially by a rectangularbase, parallel to and larger than a rectangular top; a first pair ofopposing trapezoidal walls, attached to the base at a first angle lessthan 90°, and; a second pair of opposing trapezoidal walls comprising afirst regular trapezoid disposed at a second angle less than 90° to thebase, and a second regular trapezoid, disposed at a third angle lessthan 90° to the base.

Other aspects of the invention may be achieved by an exercise devicehaving a shape of essentially a six-sided polyhedron, comprising aninflatable bladder defined by a first pair of opposing rectangularparallel walls, a second pair of opposing walls comprising trapezoids,and; a third pair of opposing walls comprising trapezoids.

Still other aspects of the invention may be achieved by an exercisedevice comprising a inflatable bladder, the inflatable bladder beingdefined by a first pair of opposing rectangular parallel walls, one ofwhich is larger than the other; a second pair of opposing side wallscomprising irregular trapezoids of the same area, each disposed at anangle less than 90° to the larger parallel wall, and; a third pair ofopposing end walls comprising a first regular trapezoids disposed at afirst angle less than 90° to the larger parallel wall, and a secondregular trapezoid, disposed at a second angle less than 90° to thelarger parallel wall.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides for a method ofconducting isometric exercises comprising: providing an inflatedexercise device wherein the device comprises a rectangular base having alength corresponding to a first range of muscle contraction andexceeding its width, corresponding to a second range of musclecontraction, parallel to and larger than a rectangular top having alength exceeding its width, a first pair of opposing trapezoidal wallscomprising a first trapezoid attached along the length of the base at afirst angle less than 90°, and; a second trapezoid attached along thelength of the base at a second angle less than 90°, a second pair ofopposing trapezoidal walls comprising a third trapezoid attached alongthe width of the base at a third angle less than 90°, and; a fourthtrapezoid attached along the width of the base at a fourth angle lessthan 90°, wherein the first and second angles may be the same and thethird and fourth angles are different; contacting a first opposing wallto a first sub-part of a user's body; contacting a second opposing wallto a second sub-part of the user's body, separated from the firstsub-part by one or more joints, and; contracting repeatedly musclesassociated with the involved sub-parts and joints of the user's body ina range of muscle contraction so as to exert pressure on the device andthereby cause a reactive force to work against the muscles.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a method ofconducting isometric exercises comprising: providing an inflatedexercise device wherein the device comprises a rectangular base having alength corresponding to a first range of muscle contraction andexceeding its width, corresponding to a second range of musclecontraction, parallel to and larger than a rectangular top having alength exceeding its width, a first pair of opposing trapezoidal wallscomprising a first trapezoid attached along the length of the base at afirst angle less than 90°, and; a second trapezoid attached along thelength of the base at a second angle less than 90°, a second pair ofopposing trapezoidal walls comprising a third trapezoid attached alongthe width of the base at a third angle less than 90°, and; a fourthtrapezoid attached along the width of the base at a fourth angle lessthan 90°, wherein the first and second angles may be the same and thethird and fourth angles are different; contacting a first opposing wallto a first bilaterally symmetrical part of a user's body; contacting asecond opposing wall to a second bilaterally symmetrical part of theuser's body, and; contracting repeatedly muscles associated with theinvolved bilaterally symmetrical parts of the user's body in a range ofmuscle contraction so as to exert pressure on the device and therebycause a reactive force to work against the muscles.

Still a further embodiment of the present invention provides a method ofconducting isometric exercises comprising: providing an inflatedexercise device wherein the device comprises a rectangular base having alength corresponding to a first range of muscle contraction andexceeding its width, corresponding to a second range of musclecontraction, parallel to and larger than a rectangular top having alength exceeding its width, a first pair of opposing trapezoidal wallscomprising a first trapezoid attached along the length of the base at afirst angle less than 90°, and; a second trapezoid attached along thelength of the base at a second angle less than 90°, a second pair ofopposing trapezoidal walls comprising a third trapezoid attached alongthe width of the base at a third angle less than 90°, and; a fourthtrapezoid attached along the width of the base at a fourth angle lessthan 90°, wherein the first and second angles may be the same and thethird and fourth angles are different; contacting a first opposing wallto a bilaterally symmetrical part of a user's body; contacting a secondopposing wall along the length of the base to an immovable object, and;contracting repeatedly muscles associated with the involved bilaterallysymmetrical part of the user's body in a range of muscle contraction inthe direction of the immovable object so as to exert pressure on thedevice and thereby cause a reactive force to work against the muscles.

Yet a further embodiment of the present invention provides a method ofconducting isometric exercise comprising: providing an inflatedtrapezoidal-polyhedral exercise device; contacting a first opposing sideof the device to a first bilaterally symmetrical part of a user's body;contacting a second opposing side of the device to a second bilaterallysymmetrical part of the user's body, and; exerting a muscular force onthe device using the two bilaterally symmetrical parts of the user'sbody and holding such force for a predetermined time.

Still a further embodiment of the present invention provides a method ofconducting isometric exercises comprising: providing an inflatedexercise device wherein the device comprises a rectangular base having alength corresponding to a first range of muscle contraction andexceeding its width, corresponding to a second range of musclecontraction, parallel to and larger than a rectangular top having alength exceeding its width, a first pair of opposing trapezoidal wallscomprising a first trapezoid attached along the length of the base at afirst angle less than 90°, and; a second trapezoid attached along thelength of the base at a second angle less than 90°, a second pair ofopposing trapezoidal walls comprising a third trapezoid attached alongthe width of the base at a third angle less than 90°, and; a fourthtrapezoid attached along the width of the base at a fourth angle lessthan 90°, wherein the first and second angles may be the same and thethird angle is smaller than the fourth angle; contacting the sideattached to the base at the third angle to a user's shoulder blades;contacting the user's buttocks and feet to the floor; repeatedly raisingthe buttocks off the floor, leaving the shoulder blades in contact withthe device and the feet in contact with the floor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a side view of the device of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an end view of the device of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the bottom (base) view of thedevice of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the device of the present inventiontaken along the line 4—4 in FIG. 2.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

As noted hereinabove, the present invention is directed toward aninflatable device or bladder having the shape, when inflated,essentially of a six-sided polyhedron defined by a rectangular base,parallel to and larger than a rectangular top, a first pair of opposingtrapezoidal walls, attached to the base at a first angle less than 90°,and a second pair of opposing trapezoidal walls comprising a firstregular trapezoid disposed at a second angle less than 90° to the base,and a second regular trapezoid, disposed at a third angle less than 90°to the base. The device has been specifically designed to conformcomfortably to the human body during resistance (isometric) exercises.

It will be appreciated that the polyhedron shape is the general shape ofthe device. Since the device is inflatable and the walls of the deviceare made of thin plastic or rubber materials, the walls of the devicewill expand or balloon to some extent. Thus, while the presentdescription discussed the general shape of the device and angleassociated with the shape of the device, it will be understood thatthese angles and shapes are of a general nature and set forth as if thewalls of the device were rigid upon inflation. It is entirely possiblethat, upon extreme inflation for example, the walls of the device maybulge and have angles greater than 90° at the point of connection of onewall with another. As discussed hereinbelow, ribs may be used to curtailthe bulging of the device to some extent.

It will be further appreciated that where angles are set forth in thisspecification, they are set forth as if the device has the proper amountof air not to expand the sides outwardly beyond a plane between theedges thereof.

One embodiment of the device provides a soft, inflatable,ergonomically-designed, trapezoid-shaped device. The device ispreferably made from a suitably strong, yet flexible, plastic material,measuring about nineteen (19) inches long, about nine (9) inches highand about eleven (11) inches wide. It will be appreciated, however, thatany size device which can be comfortably used for resistive exercise maybe used, provided the device maintains a general polyhedral, andpreferably, trapezoidal, shape.

The device may be used with any known isometric exercises, but isparticularly suited for use in conjunction with a sequence of at leasteleven (11) uniquely designed isometric exercises, where resistance isoffered against the device. Using the device with these exercises allowsfor all of the major muscles and muscle groups of the human body to bestrengthened, conditioned and better equipped to accept the forcesapplied during daily living.

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1-4 illustrate one schematicrepresentation of the exercised device of the present invention. Thisembodiment is for illustrative purposes only and should not be viewed asthe only embodiment of the device, the scope of the invention beingdetermined by the spirit and limitations of the claims.

One representative form of the exercise device of the present inventionis denoted generally by the numeral 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2. Exercise device10 comprises an inflatable bladder having the shape, when inflated,essentially of a six-sided polyhedron. The polyhedron is definedessentially by a rectangular base 15, parallel to and larger than arectangular top 20; a first pair of opposing trapezoidal walls 25, eachattached to the base 15 at a first angle A less than 90° as shown inFIG. 2; and a second pair of opposing trapezoidal walls comprising afirst regular trapezoid 30 disposed at a second angle B less than 90° tothe base 15, and a second regular trapezoid 35, disposed at a thirdangle C less than 90° to the base 15. Inasmuch as walls 25 lie along thelength (major dimension) of the device, and walls 30 and 35 lie alongthe width (minor dimension) of the device, walls 25 may be referred toas “long faces” and walls 30 and 35 may be referred to as “shortfaces”.In one embodiment of the present invention, angle A is from about60° to about 80°, angle B is from about 40° to about 70°, and angle C isfrom about 60° to about 80°. For convenience, the device has beendescribed and depicted as if an idealized polyhedron having flat sidesjoined at specific angles. In practice, the flexure of the device owingto air pressure and use during exercise will cause the angles anddimensions to vary slightly from the idealized values. Such variationsare contemplated and within the scope of the invention. In anotherembodiment the exercise device 10 will have the first angle A about 70°,the second angle B about 55° and the third angle C about 70°.

The exercise device 10 may be composed of plastic or rubber. Examples ofplastics useful in the practice of the present invention includepolypropylene, polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride; polyamides such asnylon 6,6, and nylon 6,12; and polyurethane foam. Typically, the deviceis made by extrusion or other manufacturing techniques which provide forthe forming of a thin flexible sheet of material which can be cut orotherwise formed into the walls of the device. The walls may then beattached to each other by any manner known in the art. For example, thewalls may be glued together, sewn together, heat-welded together orsonic-welded together. The exact type of attachment of one wall toanother will depend on the composition of the walls. Further, theexercise device 10 of the present invention may have indicia 40 printedon any or all sides of the device.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the exercise device may have a valve 50 toallow for the ingress and egress of air into and out of the device forinflation and deflation. It will be appreciated that the length of thebase 15 is preferably from about 1 to about 2.5 times the width of thebase 15. In another embodiment, the length of the base 15 may be fromabout 1.3 to about 2.1 times the width of the base 15. In still anotherembodiment the length of the base 15 may be from about 1.7 to about 2.3times the length of the top 20, shown in phantom.

Referring to FIG. 4, it may be seen that the exercise device 10 mayinclude one or more internal ribs 100 extending between the base 15 andthe top 20, located within the bladder so as to maintain the generalpolyhedral, preferably trapezoidal, shape of the device 10. The ribs 100are more rigid than the thin sheet material forming the walls, andpreferably take a trapezoidal shape similar to that of the first pair oftrapezoidal walls 25. Each rib 100 is preferably attached to the top 20along essentially its entire length and attached to the base 15 alongessentially its entire length such that the top 20 and base 15 aremaintained generally parallel to each other with the top 20substantially centered on the base 15. In one embodiment, the ribs ofthe exercise device of the present invention comprises a series ofreinforcing strips each having a width from about {fraction (1/50)} toabout {fraction (1/20)} of the length of the base and the spaces betweensaid strips may be from about {fraction (1/100)} to about {fraction(1/50)} of the length of the base.

As a further embodiment, one or more ribs 100 of the exercise device 10may, in the alternative, provide one or more internal walls whichseparate the bladder into two or more air-tight compartments. In suchcase, each air-tight compartment will have a valve to allow the ingressand egress of air for inflation and deflation of the bladder.

A further embodiment of the present invention includes an exercisedevice having the shape essentially of a six-sided polyhedron,comprising an inflatable bladder defined by a first pair of opposingrectangular parallel walls; a second pair of opposing walls comprisingtrapezoids, and; a third pair of opposing walls comprising trapezoids.Preferably, one of the first pair of opposing rectangular parallel wallsis larger than the other. The second pair of opposing side walls arepreferably identical in surface area and comprise irregular trapezoids.In a preferred embodiment, each wall of the second pair of walls isdisposed at an angle less than 90° to the larger parallel wall. Thethird pair of opposing end walls includes a first regulartrapezoid-shaped wall 30 disposed at a first angle less than 90° to thelarger parallel wall, and a second regular trapezoid wall 35, disposedat a second angle less than 90° to the larger parallel walls.

As earlier noted, a plurality of images or other indicia may be printedon one or more walls of the device, such as, for example,representations of exercises that may be performed with the device, forease of use. The exercise device may further comprise an absorbent cover(not shown) or other material capable of being removably applied to thedevice either by attachment or be slipping it on like a pillow case,which absorbs the perspiration of the user. The absorbent cover may alsocontain indicia printed on the cover.

It will be appreciated that the present invention eliminates the needfor complicated and expensive equipment. The device is relatively softand comfortable so isometric exercises can be performed withoutirritating or injuring the user. The polyhedral shape is ergonomicallydesigned so that it conforms to the human body during execution ofisometric exercises. Further, the device is safe to use in that it doesnot require springs, stretch cords, or other mechanical attachments.When such springs, stretch cords, or mechanical levers or arms break orfunction defectively, they can injure the user. It is envisioned thatthe device can been developed in a manner such the it is sufficientlydurable and strong to withstand the normal compressive forces that atypical user might exert over a device life span of at least five (5)years.

The device is easily inflated by mouth, and can be stored in smallplaces upon deflation. The bladder pressure that can be attained by theordinary person inflating the device by blowing air into it issufficient to provide resistance which will aid in isometric training ofall major muscles and muscle groups. The device is envisioned to serveall age groups, specifically to strengthen and develop muscles andassociated joints of youthful exercisers, to develop and maintainstrength of muscles and assorted joints of middle-aged exercisers, andto prevent deterioration and maintain muscles and associated joints ofelderly exercisers.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, at leasteleven (11) isometric exercises are provided, which have been designedto activate all of the major muscles and muscle groups of the body. Theexercises are provided hereinbelow. A daily regimen of these exercisesemploying both the long and short faces of the device will providestrength and endurance training to the muscles of the body. Researchstudies have shown that such muscular exercises result in a number ofpositive changes, including: (1) an increase in muscles' ability tomobilize, deliver and consume body fat; (2) an increase in blood flowand circulation; (3) an increase in both strength and endurance; (4) anincrease in the strength of connective tissue (tendons, ligaments andjoints); (5) an increase in musculoskeletal efficiency of dailymovements, and; (6) an overall feeling of physical and psychologicalwell-being.

The eleven isometric exercises provide resistive training to all of themajor muscles and muscle groups. Additionally, given the shape of thedevice, there is a major dimension, (length, e.g., 19 inches) and minordimension (width, e.g., 11 inches), which provides for two (2) ranges ofmuscle contraction in the isometric exercises. The various sizes of thesides and angles therebetween facilitate the practice of a number ofisometric exercises, which train and strengthen all major muscles andmuscles groups of the body.

The isometric exercises come in two general types. A first type iscompression of the device between two bilaterally symmetrical parts ofthe body, such as two legs or two arms. A second type of isometricexercise is compression of the device between two subparts of the bodyseparated by one or more joints. An example of this is compression ofthe device between the upper arm and forearm so as to train the biceps,or compression of the device between the upper and lower leg, so as totrain the thigh. A third type of isometric exercise is compression ofthe device between a body part and an immovable object or surface, suchas a tree or the wall of a building. An example of this is compressionof the device between the user's tibia and a building wall by sitting ina chair and extending the quadriceps in an effort to straighten the leg.

The eleven (11) isometric exercises are demonstrated by the followingexamples. The scope of the invention is not limited to these examples,as many other exercises may be performed therewith. Only the claimsserve to define the scope of the invention.

Example 1

Seated Crunch against device (Spine Flexion)

The user sits in a chair such that his upper legs are parallel to thefloor. He places the device 10 in his lap, with either long face 25 orshort face 30 contacting his upper legs. The user contracts hisabdominal muscles and squeezes the device. With this exercise, the majoremphasis is on the Latisimus Dorsi, while the Pectoralis, Deltoids andBiceps also contribute to stabilize the device. Alternatives to thisSeated Crunch are the Squat Crunch and the Bending Crunch. In theformer, the user stands holding the device as above, with the legs bentso as to form a squatting position, and the user contracts his abdominalmuscles as above. The Squat Crunch also trains the Gluteal Muscle group.The user can alternatively bend at the waist holding the devicesubstantially as above. In such case, the Erector Spinae (back muscles)are also trained.

Example 2

Rump-Up Exercise (Spine Extension)

The user places the device 10 with its base 15 down on the floor. Helies on the floor with knees bent, feet and buttocks on the floor andwith only his shoulder blades contacting the device on the side formingthe 55° angle with the base. The exercise consists of the user raisingand lowering the buttocks by contracting the Erector Spinae and Gluteusmuscles.

Example 3

Arm-Shoulder Adduction and Scapular Elevation

The user places the device 10 with either long face 25 or short face 30contacting the back side of his lower arm, and the base 15 facinggenerally upward. The user holds the device against a wall or immovableobject and exerts muscular force upward and outward. This exercisetrains the Supraspinatus, the Trapezium, the Levator Scapular muscle,the Serratus Anterior, and the Deltoids. The height at which the deviceis placed relative to the user's height will serve to train theaforementioned muscles over a wide range of flexion and contraction.Both arms can be so trained.

Example 4

Arm-Shoulder Adduction

The user places the device between his forearm and side with the top 20facing upward. The user may contact either a long face 25 or a shortface 30, 35 to his body. The user then exerts force inward such that thedevice is compressed between his arm and his abdomen. This exercisetrains the Biceps, Pectoralis Major, Latisimus Dorsi, Teres Major andDeltoids. Both arms can be so trained.

Example 5

Forward/Medial Arm Press

The user, either seated or standing, with his arms forward, aboutparallel to the floor, grasps the device 10, with either long faces 25or short faces 30, 35 between the palms of his hands. The user exertsforce inward such that the device is compressed between his hands. Inthis way, the Pectoralis Major and Minor, the Coracobrachialis, theDeltoids, the Biceps, the Latisimus Dorsi, and the wrist, hand and digitflexors are trained. Holding long faces 25 will train the Pectoralis ata shorter contraction range, while holding short faces 30, 35, willtrain the Pectoralis at a longer contraction range.

Example 6

Upper/Medial Arm and Shoulder Press

The user, either seated or standing, performs substantially the sameactions as in Example 5, except that the arms are held generally overthe head, so that the user's arms and legs form about a 130° angle. Thisposition, not directly overhead, reduces shoulder strain and minimizesinjuries. This exercise trains the upper back and shoulder musculature,Latisimus Dorsi, Upper Trapezium, Rhomboids, Coracobrachiatus,Pectoralis Major, and Levator Scapula.

Example 7

Forearm and Hand Curl

The user, either seated or standing, holds the device 10 in the crook ofthe elbow, with either the long faces 25 or the short faces 30, 35,contacting his chest and forearm, respectively. The user exerts forcewith the arm so as to compress the device between the forearm and upperarm. This exercise trains the Biceps, Brachialis, Brachioradialis,wrist, hand and finger flexors.

Example 8

Leg Extension and Thigh Flexion

The user is seated on a chair or other item which provides back supportand is tall enough to allow his legs to swing freely without touchingthe floor. The user contacts either the long face 25 or a short face 30,35 on his tibia, and holds it up against a wall or other immovableobject. The user extends his legs so as to compress the device upagainst the wall. This exercise trains the Quadriceps, (VastusLateralis, Medialis, Intermedium, Rectus Femoris), Tensor Facie Latae,and Iliopsoas. The distance at which the User sits from the wall can,when adjusted will serve to train the aforementioned muscles over a widerange of flexion and contraction. The legs can be so trained together orindividually.

Example 9

Leg and Thigh Adduction

The user is seated on a chair or other item which provides back supportand is tall enough to allow his legs to swing freely without touchingthe floor. The user holds the device between the legs, at the level ofthe knee, with either the long face 25 or a short face 30, 35. The userexerts inward force (adduction) so as to compress the device between theknees. This exercise trains the Adductors (Longus, Brevis, and Magnus),Pectineus, Gracilis, and Sartorius.

Example 10

Leg Flexion and Thigh Extension

The user is seated on a chair or other item, which provides back supportand is tall enough to allow his legs to swing freely without touchingthe floor. The user contacts either the long face 25 or a short face 30,35 to his calves, and holds the device against the base of the chairupon which he sits. The user exerts force on the device with his legs soas to compress the device in the direction of the chair. This exercisetrains the Hamstrings, (Semitendenosis, Semimembranosis, BicepsFemoris), Gluteus Maximus, Sartorius and Gracilis. The legs can be sotrained together or individually.

Example 11

Hip Flexor

The user is seated on a chair or other item which provides back support.The user positions the devise 10 with the base positioned on the thighand the hand and forearm of the same side of the body on the top 20.Simultaneously the user raises the thigh against the base 15 and lowersthe forearm against the top 20. In this way the hip flexors (Psoas,Iliacus, and Tensor Facie Latae) are trained. Both sides of the hipflexors can be so trained.

Thus it should be evident that the device and methods of the presentinvention are highly effective in providing resistive exercise andtraining to strengthen and condition major muscles and muscle groups ofthe human body. The invention is particularly suited for isometricexercise, but is not necessarily limited thereto. The device and methodof the present invention can be used separately with other equipment,methods and the like, without necessarily departing from the scope andspirit of the invention.

Based upon the foregoing disclosure, it should now be apparent that theuse of the device described herein will carry out the objects of thepresent invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that anyvariations evident fall within the scope of the claimed invention andthus, the selection of specific component elements or exercises can bedetermined without departing from the spirit of the invention hereindisclosed and described. Thus, the scope of the invention shall includeall modifications and variations that may fall within the scope of theattached claims.

1. An exercise device comprising an inflatable bladder, havingessentially a shape when inflated, of a six-sided polyhedron defined by:a rectangular base, parallel to and larger than a rectangular top; afirst pair of opposing trapezoidal walls, attached to the base at afirst angle less than 90°, and; a second pair of opposing trapezoidalwalls comprising a first regular trapezoid disposed at a second angleless than 90° to the base, and a second regular trapezoid, disposed at athird angle less than 90° to the base.
 2. The exercise device of claim1, wherein the first angle is about 70°, the second angle is about 70°,and the third angle is about 55°.
 3. The exercise device of claim 1,wherein the device is made of a material selected from the groupconsisting of synthetic rubbers and plastics.
 4. The exercise device ofclaim 1, wherein indicia are printed on the device.
 5. The exercisedevice of claim 1, further comprising an absorbent cover which absorbsperspiration of the user.
 6. The exercise device of claim 5, whereinindicia are printed on the absorbent cover.
 7. The exercise device ofclaim 1, wherein the walls are glued together.
 8. The exercise device ofclaim 1, wherein the walls are sewn together.
 9. The exercise device ofclaim 1, wherein the walls are heat welded together.
 10. The exercisedevice of claim 1, wherein the walls are sonic welded together.
 11. Theexercise device of claim 1, further comprising a valve to allow theingress and egress of air for inflation and deflation.
 12. The exercisedevice of claim 1, wherein the length of the base is from 1.0 to 2.5times the width of the base.
 13. The exercise device of claim 12,wherein the length of the base is from 1.3 to 2.1 times the width of thebase.
 14. The exercise device of claim 13 wherein the length of the baseis from 1.7 to 2.3 times the length of the top.
 15. The exercise deviceof claim 1, further comprising one or more internal ribs extendingbetween the base and the top, located within the bladder.
 16. Theexercise device of claim 15 wherein said ribs comprise a reinforcingmaterial having a trapezoidal shape.
 17. The exercise device of claim 16wherein said ribs are attached to the top along essentially its entirelength and which is attached to the base along essentially its entirelength.
 18. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising at leastone internal wall separating the bladder into at least two air tightcompartments.
 19. The exercise device of claim 18 wherein each air tightcompartment has a valve to allow the ingress and egress of air forinflation and deflation.
 20. An exercise device having the shape ofessentially a six-sided polyhedron, comprising an inflatable bladderdefined by: a first pair of opposing rectangular parallel walls; asecond pair of opposing walls comprising trapezoids, and; a third pairof opposing walls comprising trapezoids.
 21. An exercise devicecomprising a inflatable bladder defined by: a first pair of opposingrectangular parallel walls, one of which is larger than the other; asecond pair of opposing side walls comprising irregular trapezoids ofthe same area, each disposed at an angle less than 90° to the largerparallel wall, and; a third pair of opposing end walls comprising afirst regular trapezoids disposed at a first angle less than 90° to thelarger parallel wall, and a second regular trapezoid, disposed at asecond angle less than 90° to the larger parallel wall.
 22. A method ofconducting isometric exercises comprising: providing an inflatedexercise device wherein the device comprises a rectangular base having alength corresponding to a first range of muscle contraction andexceeding its width, corresponding to a second range of musclecontraction, parallel to and larger than a rectangular top having alength exceeding its width, a first pair of opposing trapezoidal wallscomprising a first trapezoid attached along the length of the base at afirst angle less than 90°, and; a second trapezoid attached along thelength of the base at a second angle less than 90°, a second pair ofopposing trapezoidal walls comprising a third trapezoid attached alongthe width of the base at a third angle less than 90°, and; a fourthtrapezoid attached along the width of the base at a fourth angle lessthan 90°, wherein the first and second angles may be the same and thethird and fourth angles are different; contacting a first opposing wallto a first sub-part of the user's body; contacting a second opposingwall to a second sub-part of the user's body, separated from the firstsub-part by one or more joints, and; contracting repeatedly the musclesassociated with the involved sub-parts and joints of the user's body ina range of muscle contraction so as to exert pressure on the device andthereby cause a reactive force to work against said muscles.
 23. Themethod of claim 22 wherein the first and second opposing walls are alongthe width of the base and the range of muscle contraction is the firstrange.
 24. The method of claim 22 wherein the first and second opposingwalls are along the length of the base and the range of musclecontraction is the second range.
 25. A method of conducting isometricexercises comprising: providing an inflated exercise device wherein thedevice comprises a rectangular base having a length corresponding to afirst range of muscle contraction and exceeding its width, correspondingto a second range of muscle contraction, said base parallel to andlarger than a rectangular top having a length exceeding its width, afirst pair of opposing trapezoidal walls comprising a first trapezoidattached along the length of the base at a first angle less than 90°,and; a second trapezoid attached along the length of the base at asecond angle less than 90°, a second pair of opposing trapezoidal wallscomprising a third trapezoid attached along the width of the base at athird angle less than 90°, and; a fourth trapezoid attached along thewidth of the base at a fourth angle less than 90°, wherein the first andsecond angles may be the same and the third and fourth angles aredifferent; contacting a first opposing wall to a first bilaterallysymmetrical part of the user's body; contacting a second opposing wallto a second bilaterally symmetrical part of the user's body, and;contracting repeatedly the muscles associated with the involvedbilaterally symmetrical parts of the user's body in a range of musclecontraction so as to exert pressure on the device and thereby cause areactive force to work against said muscles.
 26. The method of claim 25wherein the first and second opposing walls are along the width of thebase and the range of muscle contraction is the first range.
 27. Themethod of claim 25 wherein the first and second opposing walls are alongthe length of the base and the range of muscle contraction is the secondrange.
 28. A method of conducting isometric exercises comprising:providing an inflated exercise device wherein the device comprises arectangular base having a length corresponding to a first range ofmuscle contraction and exceeding its width, corresponding to a secondrange of muscle contraction, said base parallel to and larger than arectangular top having a length exceeding its width, a first pair ofopposing trapezoidal walls comprising a first trapezoid attached alongthe length of the base at a first angle less than 90°, and; a secondtrapezoid attached along the length of the base at a second angle lessthan 90°, a second pair of opposing trapezoidal walls comprising a thirdtrapezoid attached along the width of the base at a third angle lessthan 90°, and; a fourth trapezoid attached along the width of the baseat a fourth angle less than 90°, wherein the first and second angles maybe the same and the third and fourth angles are different; contacting afirst opposing wall to a bilaterally symmetrical part of the user'sbody; contacting a second opposing wall along the length of the base toan immovable object, and; contracting repeatedly the muscles associatedwith the involved bilaterally symmetrical part of the user's body in arange of muscle contraction in the direction of the immovable object soas to exert pressure on the device and thereby cause a reactive force towork against said muscles.
 29. The method of claim 28 wherein the firstand second opposing walls are along the width of the base and the rangeof muscle contraction is the first range.
 30. The method of claim 28wherein the first and second opposing walls are along the length of thebase and the range of muscle contraction is the second range.
 31. Amethod of conducting isometric exercises comprising: providing aninflated exercise device wherein the device comprises a rectangular basehaving a length corresponding to a first range of muscle contraction andexceeding its width, corresponding to a second range of musclecontraction, said base parallel to and larger than a rectangular tophaving a length exceeding its width, a first pair of opposingtrapezoidal walls comprising a first trapezoid attached along the lengthof the base at a first angle less than 90°, and; a second trapezoidattached along the length of the base at a second angle less than 90°, asecond pair of opposing trapezoidal walls comprising a third trapezoidattached along the width of the base at a third angle less than 90°,and; a fourth trapezoid attached along the width of the base at a fourthangle less than 90°, wherein the first and second angles may be the sameand the third angle is smaller than the fourth angle; contacting theside attached to the base at the third angle to the user's shoulderblades; contacting the user's buttocks and feet to the floor; repeatedlyraising the buttocks off the floor, leaving the shoulder blades incontact with the device and the feet in contact with the floor.
 32. Amethod of conducting isometric exercise comprising: providing aninflated trapezoidal-polyhedral exercise device; contacting a firstopposing side of the device to a first bilaterally symmetrical part ofthe user's body; contacting a second opposing side of the device to asecond bilaterally symmetrical part of the user's body, and; exerting amuscular force on the device with a two bilaterally symmetrical parts ofthe user's body and holding such force for a predetermined time.
 33. Amethod of conducting isometric exercise comprising: providing theinflatable exercise device of claim 2; contacting a the top of thedevice to the abdomen and chest of the user's body; contacting the sideforming the 55° angle to the upper legs of the user, and; exerting amuscular force on the device by bending forward at the waist and holdingsuch force for a predetermined time.